Corpus Christi ranks No. 1 in enforcement of fireworks laws

Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times File Wesley Neukam sets up his Alamo Fireworks stand on Farm-to-Market Road 43 across from London School last year. It’s illegal to discharge fireworks within city limits and violators could face fines of as much as $2,000.

Rachel Denny Clow

Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times Julio Morales, a subcontractor for Oklahoma-based Western Enterprises, sets up hundreds of fireworks shells on the flight deck of the Lexington Museum on the Bay on Thursday in preparation for the 37th annual Mayor’s Big Bang celebration’s H-E-B Fireworks Show.

Rachel Denny Clow

Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times Orlando Flores, a subcontractor for Oklahoma-based Western Enterprises, sets up hundreds of fireworks shells on the flight deck of the Lexington Museum on the Bay on Thursday in preparation for the 37th annual Mayor’s Big Bang celebration’s H-E-B Fireworks Show.

Rachel Denny Clow

Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times Julio Morales, a subcontractor for Oklahoma-based Western Enterprises, sets up hundreds of fireworks shells on the flight deck of the Lexington Museum on the Bay on Thursday in preparation for the 37th annual Mayor’s Big Bang celebration’s H-E-B Fireworks Show.

Rachel Denny Clow

Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times With bloody bandaged fingers, Yolanda Garza twists wires together as she sets up hundreds of fireworks shells on the flight deck of the Lexington Museum on the Bay on Thursday in preparation for the 37th annual Mayor’s Big Bang celebration’s H-E-B Fireworks Show.

Rachel Denny Clow

Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times Julio Morales (from left), Orlando Flores and Yolanda Garza, subcontractors for Oklahoma-based Western Enterprises, set up hundreds of fireworks shells on the flight deck of the Lexington Museum on the Bay on Thursday in preparation for the 37th annual Mayor’s Big Bang celebration’ H-E-B Fireworks Show.

Rachel Denny Clow

Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times File It’s illegal to discharge fireworks within city limits and violators could face fines of as much as $2,000.

The city's crackdown on offenders helped it reach the top spot on WalletHub's list for 2014's Best and Worst Cities for Fourth of July celebrations based on 14 key metrics to see how 100 of the largest cities balance cost and fun.

There's also a designated phone number - 886-2677 - where residents can report fireworks offenses to keep 911 free for emergencies.

Last year, dispatchers received 1,178 calls for service with 395 related to fireworks, officials said.

It is illegal to discharge fireworks within the city limits and offenders can receive a ﬁne of as much as $2,000, Corpus Christi Fire Department Capt. James Brown said.

It's also unlawful to possess open fireworks packages within city limits, an offense punishable by a fine per open package, he added.

Thinking about taking the fireworks party to the beach? Think again.

Padre Island National Seashore will conduct a fireworks checkpoint Friday on Park Road 22 near the park's entrance station, according to a news release. The purpose of the checkpoint is to prevent accidents, fires and injuries related to the use of fireworks since use or possession of fireworks and firecrackers are prohibited on all National Park Service lands, officials said.

A stray spark can burn thousands of acres and wildland fire risk is greatly increased in South Texas due to continued dry conditions and the summer heat. Texas A&M Forest Service has forecast a “high” wildland fire danger for the Coastal Bend this holiday weekend, although Tyner Little, public information officer for Nueces County, said a burn ban is not in effect for the area.

Fireworks violators aren't the only thing to worry about.

Fourth of July also ranks among the deadliest times on Texas roadways with 52 fatal alcohol-related crashes and 54 fatalities occurring last year. That was more crashes and fatalities than for any other holiday in 2013. Last year, 1,089 people were killed and 8,843 were seriously injured in alcohol-related crashes, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.

Last year, 1,089 people were killed and 8,843 were seriously injured in alcohol-related crashes.

The DWI-focused No Refusal weekend also will be in effect until Sunday morning, Senior Officer Kirk Stowers said. The Nueces County District Attorney's Office will provide a trained phlebotomist at the Corpus Christi Detention Center from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, police said. With a trained phlebotomist at the detention center, DWI investigations are more efficient because officers won't have to take individuals to the hospital to get a blood sample, officials said.

Last year six people were arrested on the Fourth of July on suspicion of DWI. There were 16 arrested during the entire No Refusal weekend, according to police.

The city also has planned some family friendly (and legal) fun.

The 37th annual Mayor's Big Bang celebration kicks off at 7 a.m. with the CC Road Runners Four for the 4th Run and ends with the H-E-B fireworks show launched from the Lexington Museum on the Bay at 9:30 p.m.

Amy McCoy, Buc Commission events manager, said this year 627 shells, that range from 3 inches to 8 inches wide, will fly as high as 450 feet in the air to increase visibility for spectators.

Twitter: @CallerEricaQ

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